Programmed exercise bicycle with computer aided guidance

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a stationary exercise bike along with a display that provides instruction to lead a rider through an exercise program. The invention allows a rider to obtain benefits of a group, instructor-led class though the rider&#39;s schedule does not permit the rider to participate in the class. The invention also describes a method of exercising with the foregoing bike and display.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation application of prior co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/050,460, filed Feb. 2, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to exercise devices and programs. Morespecifically, the invention relates to providing instructions to anexercise participant to lead the participant through an exerciseprogram. The invention also relates to the use of a stationary exercisebike on which the participant may exercise.

An embodiment of the invention relates to the use of an indoor exercisebike along with instructions similar to those provided by an instructorduring a indoor exercise bike program. In this embodiment, theparticipant is instructed to assume different hand and riding positionsthroughout the program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, instructor-led exercise classes using stationaryexercise bikes have become increasingly popular. Since the advent of theindoor cycling exercise program, various indoor cycling classes havecome into existence. In such classes, the instructor typically leads aclass of participants by instructing them to assume different ridingpositions, such as sitting and standing in combination with differenthand positions on the handlebars. The instructor also may instructparticipants to vary their pedaling cadence to simulate sprinting orother riding conditions. The bikes used in these classes typically havea resistance device to vary how difficult it is to pedal, and theinstructor may also instruct participants to vary the resistance tosimulate different riding conditions such as hill climbing.

Many participants seek out instructor-led classes for the encouragementand expertise that an instructor may provide during the exerciseprogram, or the camraderie between participants. However, instructor-ledclasses generally adhere to a predetermined time schedule. This presentsa problem to participants that cannot attend predetermined classesbecause of their jobs or other scheduling conflicts.

Health clubs typically have different types of stationary exercise bikesavailable on their floors for individuals to ride. However, these bikestypically do not have the open geometry, adjustability or othercharacteristics that allow an individual to experience an exerciseprogram such as provided by indoor cycling programs. In other words, thebikes themselves are inadequate.

Certain health clubs may have indoor cycling bikes available on theirfloor to ride by individuals who are not participating in aninstructor-led class. But without an instructor, the individual may notreceive the proper instruction or guidance essential to simulating thedifferent riding positions and/or resistances and/or pedal cadences thatan instructor typically provides during a class. Indeed, instructorssuch as certified SPINNING® instructors receive significant and ongoingtraining in order to lead classes. Accordingly, the individual thatsimply pedals a stationary exercise bike on a health club floor willgenerally not achieve the benefits of an instructor-led class.Furthermore, the lack of an instructor may increase the danger of injuryif the individual is not riding the bike correctly. This may beespecially so where the bike is in a direct drive or fixed gearconfiguration.

Accordingly, a need exists for a stationary exercise bike for use by anindividual who is not participating in an instructor-led class, whereinthe bike itself allows different riding positions and conditions, andalso provides instruction to the individual so that the individual mayreceive benefits typically received during an instructor-led class.There also exists a need for the stationary bike to take the rider'sability, past exercise history and/or heart rate into account.

Previously, videos of an instructor providing instruction for an indoorcycling bike class have been available for an individual to watch as heor she rides an indoor cycling bike. However, such videos require aseparate VCR and monitor to play the video. Besides requiring additionalequipment, the space required may also not be available. For example,space on a health club floor is generally considered to be at a premium.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,239 to Hernandez purports to disclose the use of anindoor cycling bike and a display screen with a cartridge that playsmusic and provides directions to the rider. However, the disclosure ofthe '239 patent is very limited and the bike pictured in the patentwould not enable a participant to simulate different riding positionsand conditions, or experience an indoor exercise bike program. The '239patent also does not disclose how the rider's ability, past exercisehistory and/or heart rate may be taken into account when providinginstructions to the participant.

The present invention solves the above-identified needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a stationary exercise bike forIndoor cycling is used along with a display that provides instruction tolead a rider through an exercise ride.

In another aspect of the invention, a stationary exercise bike thattakes into account the rider's ability, cadence, distance, time, pastexercise history and/or heart rate is described.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of exercising with theforegoing bike and display is described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a stationary exercise bike with a display screen.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of a display featuring the display screen.

FIG. 2B shows an alternate front view of a display.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, the invention serves to provide instructions to a rider thatleads the rider through an exercise program. It is preferred that theinstruction be similar to that provided in instructor-led classes sothat the rider obtains the benefits of such classes despite the factthat the rider's schedule conflicts with pre-scheduled instructor-ledclasses.

FIG. 1 shows a stationary exercise bike 10 along with a display screen100. The display screen includes a computer or other device to storeand/or provide instructions. The bike 10 shown is an indoor cycling bikethat is adjustable and has an open geometry that allows a rider tosimulate different riding positions and conditions. Bike 10 preferablyincludes adjustable seat assembly 12, adjustable handlebar 14 havingmultiple hand position, variable resistance mechanism 16, pedal assembly18 and flywheel 20 which is coupled to pedal assembly 18 in a directdrive (fixed gear) and/or non direct drive e.g., freewheelingconfiguration. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,468,185 and 6,793,608 are herebyincorporated by reference herein. A clutching mechanism may also beincluded which may be preferred where bike 10 is in a fixed gearconfiguration. U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,424 is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

Various pop-pins (or other suitable mechanism) 22 may be used to effectup/down and fore/aft adjustment of seat 12, and up/down adjustment ofhandlebar 14. It is preferred that the seat and handlebar be adjusted tosafely accommodate different riding positions such as sitting andstanding, as well as different hand positions. Handlebar 14 may includeone or more sensors 24 to measure the rider's pulse and heart rate. Thisinformation may be sent to the computer (discussed below). The computermay also receive heart rate signals from a montior/transmittor worn bythe rider.

Display 100 may be attached to bike 10 by a bracket 102. Display 100includes screen 106 on which various information is input and/ordisplayed. Brackets different than that shown may be used, and bracket102 may attach to bike 10 at different locations. It is preferred thatdisplay 100 not interfere with the rider's ability to grasp handlebar 3at different locations so that the rider may assume different ridingpositions. For example, when the rider is standing and his or her handsare near the forward end 5 of handlebar 3, it is preferred that display100 not interfere with this position. It is also preferred that display100 be located so that the rider does not excessively sweat on it. Thedisplay 100 preferably comprises an outer shell of plastic or othermaterial that is resistant to sweat.

Display 100 may also be fitted with a hood 104 that may extend aroundthe top of display 100 to provide better contrast between the ambientlight and the information illuminated on display 100. Hood 104 may alsoextend around the sides and bottom of display. Hood 104 may also helpprevent excessive sweat from dripping on display 100. Screen 106 maycomprise a computer screen, LED or other type of visual display. Screen106 may receive and/or display numerical, textual, or graphicalinformation.

Display 100 is now further discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and3. It should be noted that the exact visual components displayed onscreen 106 of the display 100 may vary from that shown in FIG. 2A or 2Bor be a combination thereof. A computer or other storage device (notshown) is preferably contained within display 100. However, the computeror other storage device may be remotely located. The computer preferablystores riding instructions that are conveyed to the rider throughdisplay 100. The computer may also receive instructions and/or data fromthe rider through an input device 150 contained within the display 100so that the instructions provided during the ride may be customized perthe rider's specifications.

The input device 150 may be accessed through a menu button 152 andviewed through the menu screen 154. Each time the menu button 152 ispressed, one of a plurality of parameters is accessed. Once a particularparameter is accessed, a pair of directional arrows 162 may be used toscroll through the various possibilities. The left arrow 156 generallychanges the value lower while the right arrow 158 generally changes thevalue higher. The rider may then select a particular value or parameterby pushing the select button 160.

The following is a list of the various parameters which may be accessedand set through input device 150, but is not intended to be exhaustive.

Time duration for the workout. Generally, a default time for the workoutmay be set. However, the rider may choose to shorten or lengthen theworkout time as they desire. Once the workout starts, the overall timeand/or time remaining may be displayed on the time display 140 that islocated in the display screen 106.

The calories to be burned during the workout. The number of calories therider wishes to burn may be selected by the rider. As the workoutbegins, the number of calories burned may be displayed on the caloriedisplay 142 that is located in the display screen 106.

Level of intensity. Rather than selecting the number of calories burned,the rider may choose to simply select an intensity level and allow thecomputer to generate an appropriate workout routine. The higher thelevel of intensity chosen, the computer may generate a workout withgreater resistance, a higher level of cadence, and/or instruct the riderto assume riding positions that are generally considered more difficult.

Type of ride, e.g., hill, flat, random or other types of preprogrammedworkout. Depending on the type of workout, the display 100 may providedifferent types of instructions. For example, a hill ride might involvemore sitting than standing.

Weight of the rider. The rider may enter this information to determinethe effect on calories burned or other parameters.

Maximum heart rate. A maximum heart rate may be calculated usingage-predicted charts, e.g., by subtracting the rider's age from 220 formale riders and subtracting from 226 for female riders. A more accuraterate may be determined by undergoing a maximum heart rate test. Themaximum heart rate preferably enables the computer to control theworkout by decreasing or increasing the level of intensity to achieve adesired heart rate level.

Identification Number. The rider may be assigned to an identificationnumber, thereby allowing the computer to access and store certaininformation about a particular rider. Once assigned to a particularidentification number, the rider may log in with the identificationnumber to identify themselves and store various workouts in thecomputer. The computer may store the workout parameters and rider'sfitness progress based on the duration of the workout, power exertedduring prior workouts, calories burned or other parameters.

In this manner, the computer may automatically devise a set ofinstructions that push the rider to achieve a new fitness level bygenerating progressively more difficult workout routines. The computermay also have safeguards to prevent the rider from being advanced toquickly. For example, the computer may generate more difficult workoutsonly after a particular rider has had at least some number of workoutsduring a certain time period. The rider may also save workout routinesunder their identification number for easy access in the future.

As an alternative to the computer discussed above, display 100 mayinclude a device to receive a CD-ROM, DVD, VHS tape or other storagemedium that contains or receives riding instructions. As shown in FIG.3, display 100 may include opening 107 to receive such a storage media.

Alternatively, display 100 may include a device enabling connection ofthe computer with the internet or some other computer network. In thisembodiment, the computer may send and receive data over the internet.

The inputting of information is now more specifically described. By wayof example, the first time a rider presses the menu button 152, the menuscreen 154 may flash “ID” or some other appropriate message to indicatethe rider should input their identification number. The directionalarrows 162 may be used to scroll through the various possibilities from“None” to a numerical value ranging from 1 to however many unique usersmay be supported by the computer's memory. It is noted that today'sstorage media have large memory capacities providing for the storage ofinformation for many riders. Alternatively, the rider may punch in hisor her ID number. The computer may also request a password be entered.It is also contemplated that other forms of identification may be usedsuch as a Smart Card, memory key, or other similar device.

If “none” is selected using the select button 160, the menu screen mayask the rider if they would like to be assigned to an identificationnumber. The rider may select the next available number and providepassword information. The rider can then move through and select a valuefor each of the parameters discussed above in a similar fashion.

At the end of each workout routine, if the workout was assigned to anidentification number, the menu screen 154 may ask the rider if theywish to record the workout as part of their history file. Then, if theworkout routine was a new routine that was not previously saved, themenu screen 154 will ask the user if they wish to save the workoutroutine. If the answer is yes, then the rider may name the workoutroutine.

Once again, the directional arrows 162 and the select button 160 may beused to scroll through and select letters and numbers to name theworkout routine. In this manner ride profiles may be stored in thecomputer so that they may be recalled at a later time. For example, whenthe rider comes to the rider identification screen, a separateinstructions display 132 that is located in the display screen 106 maylist the ride profiles previously stored by the rider and ask the riderto choose one.

The computer may store and generate any number of work out routinesincluding pre-programmed ones, routines saved by the user, and newroutines based upon the rider's specific parameters.

Screen 106 preferably includes icons and screens that instruct the riderthrough the workout with different hand positions, riding positions, andvarying pedaling speeds. Hand positions are shown to the rider with ahandlebar icon 110 which may include first, second and third handpositions (110(1), 110(2) and 110(3)) that light up at different timessignifying that the rider should change his or her hand positions. Handpositions 110(1), 110(2) and 110(3) preferably illuminate at appropriatetimes.

The rider's appropriate position may be shown to the rider through apair of arrow icons 170 comprised of an up arrow icon 172 and a downarrow icon 174. When the workout requires the rider to be in thestanding position, the up arrow icon 172 may be illuminated. When theworkout requires the rider to be in the sitting position, the down arrowicon 174 may be illuminated. Both the up arrow icon 172 and the downarrow icon 174 may be illuminated when the rider is to alternate betweenstanding and sitting.

Screen 106 may also include a target cadence display 180 that providesthe rider with a certain range of desired cadence. The cadence rangedisplayed may change as the riding position change. For example, ahigher cadence range may be specified when the rider is seated and alower cadence range may be specified when the rider is standing andclimbing.

The computer in display 100 may be coupled to the pedal assembly 18 sothat the computer may measure the rider's actual cadence. If the rider'scadence is within the desired range being displayed on a target cadencedisplay 180 located in the display screen 106, a cadence screen 126 thatis also located on the display screen 106 may illuminate in a certainway, e.g., non-flashing. If the rider's cadence is not within thedesired range shown on the target cadence display 180, the rider'scadence screen showing the rider's actual cadence may illuminate in aflashing manner which preferably attracts the rider's attention so thatthe rider may adjust his or her cadence to bring it within the desiredrange.

Alternatively, screen 106 preferably includes a series of icons thatinstruct the rider through the ride with different combination of handpositions, riding positions, e.g., sitting or standing, and differentriding conditions, e.g., flats, hills, climbing, sprinting, etc. Theicons may be associated with a particular type of indoor cycling, or maybe self-explanatory.

For example as shown in FIG. 2, the icons may comprise a graphic thatillustrates a rider on a bike. Riding position icons may include seatedflat 112, seated climbing 114, standing flat 116, and standing climbing118. Each of these riding positions icons may light up at differenttimes throughout the ride to signify that the rider should changepositions. In this manner, the rider need not memorize riding positionsymbols that may be associated with a particular type of indoor cycling.As another alternative, or in addition to the foregoing, word text, suchas “sit” or “stand”, may illuminate on screen 106 to help instruct therider's position.

Screen 106 may also include a resistance display 128 that provides therider with an instructed resistance level. The resistance displayed mayvary when different riding position icons are illuminated. For example,the resistance may be increased when the standing climbing icon 118 isilluminated. (Generally, in this situation, hand position 3 (110(3) willbe illuminated.) The rider may adjust the resistance device according tothe resistance displayed. When the resistance value on display 128changes, it may flash to attract the rider's attention so that the ridermay change the resistance at the appropriate time. Alternatively, theresistance may be computer controlled and change automatically.

The cadence may be increased while the resistance remains constant toeffect cadence building. The resistance may be increased while thecadence remains constant to effect resistance loading. The foregoing maybe achieved by varying the numbers displayed on the target cadencedisplay 180 and/or the resistance display 128.

Screen 106 also preferably includes a heart rate display 130 whichdisplays the rider's heart rate as picked up by the sensors 24 on thehandlebar 14 or monitor/transmitter worn by the rider. The location ofsensors 24 in handlebar 14 preferably correspond to hand positions 1, 2and 3 on handlebar icon 110. The heart rate may affect the instructionsprovided to the rider. For instance, if too high of a heart rate isrecorded for too long, the rider may be instructed to slow the pedalingcadence through the target cadence display 180 and/or to assume adifferent riding position that requires less exertion.

Additionally, the sensors 24 may be coupled with lights that turn on tosignal to the rider the appropriate position for the rider's hand.

In addition the display 100 may also include a speaker 190. The speakermay be connected to a computer, a stereo, a video monitor, or other typeof multi media device. The speaker 190 may be used to enable riders tohear audible beeps indicating a change is position is needed. Thespeaker 190 may also enable the rider to listen to instructions orinformation as well as various entertainment media such as music.

Bike 10 of the current invention provides many benefits over otherstationary bikes that may include some amount of computer guidance. Manysuch stationary bikes simply do not offer the type of workout that thecurrent bike offers. For example, the LIFECYCLE type bike does not havethe geometry to permit alternating standing and sitting in a smoothmanner. In contrast, bike 10 of the current invention is intended foralternating standing and sitting and thus allows different ridingpositions. This in turn burns more calories and provides for a totalbody workout by using different muscle groups. For example, the standingposition allows core abdominal muscles to be used. This is not achievedby the LIFECYCLE type bike.

The LIFECYCLE type bike does not provide instructions regarding variousriding and handlebar positions that allow for a workout that involves abike ride that simulates an outdoor ride with flats, hills and otherconditions. Bike 10 of the current invention provides these type ofinstructions. The LIFECYCLE type bike also does not offer the variety ofpersonalized rides that bike 10 of the current invention offers.

The current invention also provides an advance over indoor cycling bikesthat may be located on the health club floor for random use without aninstructor. These other type of indoor cycling bikes may pose a safetythreat, especially when in a fixed gear configuration. Bike 10 of thecurrent invention may provide instructions regarding a cadence limit, orother variables to reduce or avoid this risk. The instructions may alsotake the rider's health into account. Accordingly, bike 10 overcomessome of the risks associated with random, non-instructed use of indoorcycling bikes that are typically used in a group class led by aninstructor.

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artto which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of thedescribed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

1. An exercise device, comprising: a stationary bike; a computer coupledto the stationary bike, the computer containing instructions for a rideby a rider; a display coupled to the computer, wherein the displayconveys instructions to the rider, including different hand positions ona handlebar; alternating sitting and standing positions; and varyingcadence ranges; and an input device coupled to the display, wherein theinput device enables the rider to input data into the computer.
 2. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the input device further comprising:a menu button; a menu screen accessed by the menu button; a pair ofdirectional arrows to scroll through the data on the menu screen; and aselect button to choose a selection from the menu screen.
 3. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a handlebaricon, the handlebar icon providing instructions to the rider on where toplace the hands.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein thehandlebar icon includes a first, a second, and a third hand positionthat lights up to indicate the location of the rider's hand position. 5.The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a pair ofarrow icons comprising an up arrow icon and a down arrow icon.
 6. Theexercise device of claim 5, wherein the up arrow icon is illuminated toindicate the rider should stand, the down arrow icon is illuminated toindicate that the rider should sit, and both the up arrow icon and thedown arrow icon are illuminated to indicate the rider should get into ajumping motion.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the displayincludes a target cadence display, the target cadence display revealingthe appropriate cadence at which the rider should be pedaling.
 8. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a cadencescreen, the cadence screen indicating the rider's actual cadence.
 9. Theexercise device of claim 8, wherein the cadence screen flashes to informthe rider to either pedal faster or slower and stays constant withoutflashing to indicate the rider should maintain the current cadence. 10.The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the computer directs thestationary bike to fluctuate levels of resistance to imitate cyclingsituations encountered on the road.
 11. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein the display is surrounded by an outer shell composed of a waterresistant material.
 12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein thedisplay is protected by an opaque hood attached to the display along itsouter perimeter.
 13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein thecomputer contains a number of preprogrammed workout routines.
 14. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the computer stores additionalworkout routines designed by the rider.
 15. The exercise device of claim1, wherein the computer retains at least one rider's workout history bykeeping track of the rider's workout frequency and intensity level ofthe rider's workout.
 16. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein thecomputer receives heart rate signals from a transistor worn by therider.
 17. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the computer receivesheart rate signals from a sensor located on the handlebar.
 18. Theexercise device of claim 17, wherein the sensor is coupled with a lightthat lights up to indicate the appropriate location for the rider'shands.
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 36. (canceled)37. An exercise device, comprising: a stationary bike; a computercoupled to the stationary bike, the computer containing instructions onhow to carry out a stationary bike workout routine; a display coupled tothe computer, wherein the display conveys instructions for a ride by arider through a handlebar icon, a pair of arrow icons, and a cadencescreen; a hood attached to the display along its outer perimeter; and aninput device coupled to the display, wherein the input device furthercomprising: a menu button; a menu screen accessed by the menu button; apair of directional arrows to scroll through the data on the menuscreen; and a select button to choose a selection from the menu screen.38. An exercise device, comprising: a stationary bike; a computercoupled to the stationary bike, the computer containing instructions fora ride by a rider; a display coupled to the computer, wherein thedisplay includes a handlebar icon, the handlebar icon providinginstructions to the rider on where to place the hands, and wherein thedisplay further conveys instructions to the rider, including differenthand positions on a handlebar; alternating sitting and standingpositions; and varying cadence ranges; and an input device coupled tothe display, wherein the input device enables the rider to input datainto the computer.